KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Missing Boy's Uncle Blames Sister

Missing Boy's Uncle Blames Sister

By Michael Schwanke (WICHITA, Kan)

Kevin Bush holds nothing back when talking about his sister. "All these years she has lied to her mother and brothers and sisters-all of her relatives," says Bush talking about his sister, Valerie Herrman.

Bush, like Adam Herrman's other family, was told his nephew was given back to the state. "We had no reason to question it," says Bush.  "It's a shame my sister has to put us through this. You have no idea how bad it hurts and feels."

Bush is just one of several family members, including Valerie Herrman's own son, who blames Valerie. Bush also talks of abuse-stories of Adam being locked in the bathroom and forced to sleep there.  He says the abuse did not go unreported. He also has a theory about what happened to Adam.

"I think there was an accident at that house.  I think he's gone." Bush says he has regrets and if given the chance would tell Adam. "That I'm sorry and Uncle Kevin and Aunt Lucy love you. I'm sorry, I wish I would have been around more maybe had him come to my house and I want to tell his family I'm sorry. I really am very sorry."

Bush says he has spoken to his sister since the news of Adam's disappearance. Like the story he told Eyewitness News, Valerie told her brother that Adam ran away and didn't come back.  She says the reason she didn't report Adam's disappearance was fear of losing her other children.

Bush says he does not believe that story.